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Delayed Aid Linked to Malaria Fatality in Kanker
29 Jul
Summary
- Third malaria death reported in Kanker district recently.
- Mother of three-month-old twins died after delayed medical help.
- Health minister reviewed the situation amid intensified surveillance.
Concerns are escalating in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district following a reported third malaria-related death within days. Rakeshwari Kallo, a mother of three-month-old twins, died on Tuesday after reportedly not receiving timely medical assistance despite testing positive for malaria on the previous day. Her family alleges that a health team did not visit their village and an ambulance was significantly delayed after her condition worsened.
This death follows two previous malaria fatalities among hostel children in Kanker, raising serious questions about the state's preparedness for seasonal disease spikes. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal visited Kanker on Tuesday to assess the situation and urged for a 'malaria-free Bastar' initiative, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Senior officials have directed intensified surveillance and screening in ashram schools and hostels within 15 days, ensuring uninterrupted medicine availability. The 'Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan' has tested over 7.57 lakh blood samples, detecting 8,846 positive cases, with a goal for 100% screening by August 14.
Despite national efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030, the Bastar division, including Kanker, continues to bear a significant burden due to its geography and environmental conditions favouring mosquito breeding. The lack of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, reportedly due to procurement delays, further complicates preventive measures.
